Sports Center Art Sculptures to be Dedicated Thursday

No, they’re not Stargates. The two giant metal rings in front of the Union City Sports Center are the latest in the city’s efforts to create more public art.

Recently erected, the Circle of Life will be unveiled this Thursday at a dedication ceremony that will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the .

The art piece features two large 10-feet high by 12-feet wide metallic rings with silhouettes of people performing various sports activities.

The installation “represents the continuous exploration of physical achievement by humans,” according to a press release issued by the City of Union City.

In the works for two years, the “Circle of Life” was created by San Francisco artists Jonathan and Saori Russell of Red Metal Arts. According to their website, the artists have also created public art in San Francisco, Emeryville and Berlin.

The total cost of the project was approximately $100,000, according to Rhea Serran, the communications manager for the city of Union City.

When the city opened the Sports Center in 2007, it included $100,000 for public art in its budget, Serran said. The art was budgeted under the Special Parks Fund, according to Serran.

The City of Union City also includes a chapter in its municipal code that requires public art in new city-sponsored and private developments. In projects where public art installations aren’t feasible, developers are required to pay an in-lieu fee into the Public Art Fund, according to chapter 12.40 of the city’s municipal code.

A large mural is planned for the Union City Station Center to be painted alongside the new MidPen Housing Corporation development at 34888 11th St.

The “Circle of Life” dedication will be held Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Union City Sports Center located at 31224 Union City Blvd.